Functional Tests and Supplements

A range of functional tests are available which can be useful to help identify functional imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities etc.  However, they are not a means of diagnosis and are therefore used to build a picture of how you have arrived at your current health state.  Some tests are available free via your GP and those options would always be considered first.

Functional tests can be ordered at additional cost, however, interpretation of the results is included in your consultation.  Some of the commonly requested tests are listed below, please ask for full details of any test that may be of interest.

  • Food intolerance
  • Hormone profile (DUTCH – Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones)
  • Vitamin & mineral testing – including vitamin D, B12, Folate & Iron
  • Adrenal stress profile
  • Thyroid profile (including TSH, FT4, T4, FT3, thyroid antibodies)
  • Comprehensive stool analysis / parasitology
  • DNA testing
  • Hair Mineral Test

Food Intolerance Testing

Do you think you have a food intolerance?  

I am often asked by clients if they can carry out a test for food intolerance, it’s a hot topic but I always discuss the pros and cons of food intolerance testing before arranging these tests for my clients.

Food intolerances differ to food allergies, whereby the symptoms can take anything from a few hours to a few days to develop, which can make it difficult for you to identify the offending foods.

Symptoms of food intolerance can include –

  • Abdominal pain
  • Aches and pains
  • Acne
  • Bloating
  • Constipation
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Hyperactivity
  • Migraine
  • Nausea Rashes
  • Rhinitis
  • Sinusitis
  • Stomach Cramps
  • Diarrhoea
  • Dizziness
  • Eczema
  • Fatigue
  • Irritiable Bowel Syndrome
  • Itching
  • Fluid Retention
  • Headaches
  • Tension
  • Tiredness
  • Uriticaria
  • Weight Loss/Weight Gain
  • Wheezing

I use test kits from Cambridge Nutritional Sciences.  A finger prick blood sample is taken and sent to the lab, the results are usually returned within 10 working days.  I recommend clients attend a consultation to discuss the results and to ensure essential nutrients are maintained should any food group need to be excluded from the diet.  I will also advise you on the re-introduction of foods once they have been eliminated for an agreed period of time.

Food Intolerance Test prices range from £15 for an indicator test through to £299 depending on the amount of foods tested 

Click here for more details 

Vitamin D test

Vitamin D has been talked about a lot in the last couple of years especially around it’s affects on bone and immune health, which are well documented.  However, research is continuing to link Vitamin D deficiency to a range of health conditions including inflammatory bowel disease, auto-immunity and depression.  Click here for more information.

Some GP’s will arrange for a vitamin D test via the NHS.  However, if you would prefer to arrange your own private test the cost for this is £25 which also includes a free Betteryou vitamin D supplement based on your test results.

Supplements

Discounts are available for clients and readers of The Nutritious Fig website.

I believe that the most important element of Nutritional Therapy is to focus on the food you eat and maximising their digestion and absorption. However, supplements may be recommended as part of your program to help target nutritional deficiencies, to give more focus to your program or for certain types of diets that may be lacking essential nutrients (vegan, gluten free, dairy free, etc).

Clients and readers of The Nutritious Fig website can obtain 10% discount on nutrition supplements from The Natural Dispensary when quoting Wendy Hills and the code FIG10 

Click here to go to the Natural Dispensary

It is advised that nutritional supplements are taken under the guidance of a health professional, that you review them on a regular basis and that you notify your GP or any other medical consultant responsible for your care.

Please get in touch if you are interested in learning more about functional tests or supplements and how they may help you.